Huddersfield Giants beat today’s transfer deadline with two minutes to spare to secure the services of Castleford Tigers back-row forward Brett Ferres.

The 26-year-old had been tipped to join the Giants when his contract with the Tigers ran out at the end of the season.

But Huddersfield acted to half a disastrous slump and, after signing a three-and-a-half year deal to become new coach Paul Anderson’s first acquisition, Ferres is set to make his debut against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats at the Galpharm Stadium on Sunday.

Huddersfield managing director Richard Thewlis said: “This morning has been occupied by some extremely complex paperwork, all of which was lodged with Red Hall at midday and I got the call at 1.58pm that all was in order and he was on our books.”

Ferres, who began his career at Bradford Bulls and joined Castleford from neighbours Wakefield four years ago, was named in England coach Steve McNamara’s elite training squad earlier this season.

Thewlis added: “Brett has been a player admired by our club for a long time and I know from speaking to many coaches how highly he is rated so we are simply delighted to have him here.

“Paul Anderson was extremely keen to make this move happen prior to the deadline and I must thank the Castleford club for their assistance over the past few days in allowing this deal to occur prior to Brett coming out of contract with them in November.”

Ferres said: “I have really enjoyed my three and a half years with the Tigers and I wish them well for the future.

“The fans in particular have been great, winning or losing. They have always been there and I really appreciate that support.”